Top Ten Physical Handwashing Deterrents
The will to wash one's hands can be easily sidetracked by any one of these situations:
10. Grungy faucet handles
9. No paper towels available for drying
Handsinks from Hell
A study in what NOT to do.
This collection is designed as a reminder that good intentions can pave the way to hell's handsinks. We are confident that acts of maliciousness were not involved in the original installation design and execution. No kitchen designer knowledgeable about food safety would have specified what you are about to see. Some of these hand sinks were just plain poorly conceived. Others have likely degenerated over time. Many are likely a response to a local code which often reflects the FDA’s model Food Code - stressing the presence of a hand sink, but offering little to guide the specifics and use.
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Handsinks & Cantaloupes: Bringing The Farm To The Fork
If anyone ever questioned why the Handwashing Only directive is important for specified kitchen handsinks, consider this "poster child" example.
This restaurant is blessed with a handsink perfectly located at the entrance to the prep area. Wait staff pass by it to pick up nearly every order and bussers file by on their trips to the dish machine. But it's a deep sink, perfect for scrubbing the cantaloupes which are heavily used as garnishes from breakfast through dinner in a neighborhood with a full complement of senior citizens.
Two health department reminder posters are not enough to keep staff from cleaning those cantaloups in a task-perfect sink, blocking the would-be frequent handwashers.
Read more about Handsinks & Cantaloupes: Bringing The Farm To The ForkNice Sign
This signage should say “Just try to wash your hands.” Read more about Nice Sign
Ice Management ... NOT!
This idyllic resort scene keeps customers looking out rather than down at its hellish ice management practices. Read more about Ice Management ... NOT!
Double Blocked Handsink
Temporary storage trumps h Read more about Double Blocked Handsink
How Far is Too Far
"Yes, we have a handsink." And it is a good one. But its distant location from many key food prep stations minimizes its use. It certainly does little to remind workers to wash their hands. Read more about How Far is Too Far
Find the Handsink #1
Making good drinks is a lot easier than Read more about Find the Handsink #1
Drop Zone
Temporary convenience trumps access to hand soap ... all day long.
Terminal Food #1
This busy restaurant at Chicago's O'Hare Terminal presents quite a few hurdles for potential handwashers among the food handling staff. Read more about Terminal Food #1
Hotel Breakfast Service
This hotel in California, part of a national chain, offers a custom breakfast served from this atrium bar. Read more about Hotel Breakfast Service
“Double Blocked” - a Repeat Offender
This Handsink From Hell, previously labeled as Double Blocked, was originally found in this condition. Read more about “Double Blocked” - a Repeat Offender
Distant Drying
Although this handsink is crowded by income producing beverage dispensers, its bigger problem is the location of the paper towels. Read more about Distant Drying
Encroaching Competition
Management priorities are again evident as beverage dispensing overtakes Read more about Encroaching Competition
Kitchens from Hell—A study in what not to do.
This collection is designed as a reminder that good intentions can pave the way to hell's handsinks. Read more about Kitchens from Hell—A study in what not to do.
HandsOn™ System
5 steps to convert underwashing to under control. Set and track your risk-based ServeReady® Hands and TouchReady® Surface standards.
SaniTwice® for Catered Events
Teaching Videos
Globally recognized for their ease of use in any language. Available in DVD and MP4 file download.